Axle gauge



April 5, 193s. B. LINN l 2,112,917 l A`XLE GAUGE Filed May 12, 193e sheets-sheet 1 B. LlNN April l5, 1938.

AXLE GAUGE Filed May l2, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Attofnys By u l l l INF//// Patented Apr. 5, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Y AXLE GAUGE Bertie Linn, Taylorville, Ill.

Application May 12, 1936, Serial No. 79,373

3 Claims.

This invention appertains to new and useful improvements in gauges for measuring the caster of axles.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a novel gauge structure which will be particularly adapted for use in conjunction with axle bending machines, to the end that the bending machine will not have to be removed from the axle to permit determination of whether the axle has been bent to the desired caster.

During the course of the following specification other important objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to the reader.

l5 In the drawings:-

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the device in use, in conjunction with an axle bend-1 ing machine.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the gauge 2O with a substantial portion of the same in vertical section.

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on the line 3--3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the gradu- 95 ated sleeve.

Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the pointer carrying barrel.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the tubular shell.

Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts, it can be seen that the gauge consists of the base block 5 hollowed out as at 6 but snugly receiving the lower end of the elongated tubular shell 1, which as shown in Figure 6 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 8. The upper end of this shell 'I is provided with threads 9 for disposition in the internally threaded cap I0 which has an opening II therein for slidably receiving the elongated barrel I2 which at its top has the collar I3 through which and itself the set screw I4 is feedable. This set screw I4 is provided with the knurled knob I5 and by feeding this screw I4 inwardly the same can bind against the elongated rod I6 which is vertically movable in the barrel I2. The upper end of the rod I6 is provided with the head I1 having the concavity I8.

Disposed around the lower portion of the shell 'I is the sheet metal sleeve I9 having the longitudinally extending slot 20 therein. On this sleeve I9 are graduations 2| extending from naught 22 upwardly and from naught downwardly indicating plus and minus caster. These graduations are situated adjacent the slot 20 in the sleeve I9.

The axle bending machine generally referred to by numeral 23 is provided with the usual turntable construction 24 upon which the Wheel 25 of the vehicle is positioned. The axle bending irons denoted by numeral 26 are engaged with the axle. First check the caster of the axle and place the gauge under the spindle arm as shown in Figure l. To prepare the device for operation, the rod I6 is properly set with respect to the barrel to take care of the wheel radius which 10 is different on different makes of cars. The barrel is now forced downwardly against the tension of the spring on the base 5. The device is placed under the spindle arm, and the barrel I2 released, so that the head I1 will rise and engage l5 the spindle arm. For example, if the caster is seven degrees and should be nine degrees, the gauge should be placed under the spindle arm several inches from the axle, and the pointer 21 at the seven degrees reading on the scale. 0 The axle can now be bent until the pointer reaches 9 degrees on the axle. Should the caster be reversed, that is, should the caster be 9 degrees and 7 degrees is desired, all that is necessary is to set the pointer at the 9 degrees 25 reading and bend the axle in the opposite direction until the pointer is opposite the 'l degrees reading. Some axles are set higher than others and to compensate for this in the use of the present gauge, the set screw I5 can be loosened 30 and the rod I 6 adjusted to the proper extent.

While the foregoing specication sets forth the invention in specic terms, it is to be 'understood that numerous changes in the shape, size and materials may be restorted to without deo5 parting from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Having described the invention what is claimed as new isz- 1. A gauge for axle bending machines compris- 40 ing a shell provided with a base, said shell having a barrel slidable therein and through the top thereof, said shell having a longitudinal slot therein, a pointer extending from the barrel through the slot, graduations on the outside of 45 the shell, a vertically adjustable sleeve on the outside of the shell having a slot therein registering With the slot in the sleeve, and through which the pointer extends and on which the graduations are located. 50

2. A gauge for axle bending machines comprising a shell provided with a base, said shell having a barrel slidable therein and through the top thereof, said shell having a longitudinal slot therein, a pointer extending from the barrel 55 and through the top thereof, and a detent on the barrel engaged with the rod.

3. A gauge for axle bending machines comprising a shell provided with a base, said shell having a lbarrel slidable therein and through the top thereof, said shell having a longitudinal slot therein, a pointer extending from the barrel through the slot, graduations on the outside of the shell, a vertically adjustable sleeve on the outside of the shell having a slot therein registering With the slot in the sleeve and through which the pointer extends and on which the 5 graduations are located, a rod 'slidable in the barrel and through the top thereof, a detent on the barrel engaged with the rod, and a coiled compressible spring in the shell and interposed between the lower end of the barrel and the 10 base.

BERTIE LINN. 

